Platform for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A platform for an electronic device with a display screen that includes an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case and configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the position of the leg and the string relative to the user can be adjusted to place the electronic device at a desired position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/037,198 filed Feb. 28, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure includes a platform for an electronic device with a screen, such as a tablet computer or personal video player.

BACKGROUND

Personal electronic devices have become extremely popular, providing on-the-go entertainment and data access. While many devices are hand-held size, the popularity of these devices has led to the introduction of larger tablet-style devices with larger screens. These larger devices may also allow a user to access the Internet using a keyboard appearing on the screen.

Tablet-style personal electronic devices may require a user to use both hands, particularly when trying to enter data on the on-screen keyboard. Because these devices are larger, a user may need to place the device on a table to enter the data. In addition, the larger size of these devices may cause a user's hands and arms to become tired when holding the device for a long period of time, such as when viewing a movie while standing.

One reason for the great popularity of tablet-style personal electronic devices is their portability. Smaller than a laptop, tablet-style devices feature screens that may be difficult to view under direct light or sunlight. In this situation, the user may be forced to hold the device in an uncomfortable position in order to have the best viewing quality on the screen.

Accordingly, a platform for an electronic device with a screen that is light-weight, portable and positions the device in front of the user for use, viewing and/or input is needed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses a platform for an electronic device with a display screen. The platform includes an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the position of the leg and the string relative to the user can be adjusted to place the electronic device at a desired position.

The present disclosure also discloses a platform for an electronic device with a display screen that includes an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device, the plurality of interconnected sides defining a plurality of attachment ports, the plurality of attachment ports including a first pair of attachment ports and a second pair of attachment ports; a plurality of attachment blades attachable to the first pair of attachment ports and the second pair of attachment ports; a plurality of legs connectable to the plurality of attachment blades, each of the plurality of legs including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the plurality of attachment blades can be moved between the first pair of attachment ports and the second pair of attachment ports to change the position of the electronic device relative to the user.

The present disclosure further discloses a platform for an electronic device with a display screen that includes an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, the string including a first adjustment loop attached to one end of the string and a second adjustment loop attached to an opposite end of the string, wherein the first adjustment loop and the second adjustment loop can be used to adjust the length of the string to place the electronic device at a desired position relative to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary platform in a deployed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the platform of FIG. 1 in a carrying position;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view the platform of FIG. 1 with the first and second adjustable support legs removed from the device case; and,

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view the platform of FIG. 1 with the first and second adjustable support legs removed from the device case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment 10 is shown in a deployed position on a user 100. As shown, a device case 20 supports an electronic device 200 in front of a user 100 on his or her chest. The device case 20 preferably has two adjustable support legs 30 and 35 that extend from the device case 20 to the user's body. The legs 30 and 35 preferably include padded ends 31, 36. The ends 31, 36 are preferably made of rubber, urethane, or some other soft material to cushion the ends of the legs against the user's body and stabilize the device case 20 for use and/or viewing. A length of string 40 preferably suspends the device case 20 from the around the neck of the user. The string 40 is preferably adjustable. The term “string” here is used generally and can mean any type of string, yarn, cord, or rope of natural or man-made fibers or any combination thereof. A sleeve of padding 50 preferably encases at least a portion of the length of string 40 to cushion the neck of the user when the platform is in a deployed position as shown in FIG. 1 or the shoulder of the user when the platform is in a carrying position as shown in FIG. 2. The sleeve 50 can be made of any type of padding or combination of materials such as foam or other cushioned materials. The viewing angle of the platform 10 can be adjusted to any angle preferred by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment 10 is shown in a carrying position on a user 100. The string 40 and legs 30, 35 are preferably adjusted so that the user 100 can carry the platform 10 on the shoulder. Typically, for carrying, the legs 30, 35 and string 40 are retracted to move the platform 10 to the carrying position. The sleeve 50 around the string 40 cushions the shoulder so that the string 40 does not dig into the user's body or clothing during carrying.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment is shown with the legs 30, 35 removed from the device case 20. As shown, the device case 20 preferably has a view port 22 so the user can see the screen of any device inserted therein such as a tablet computer or personal DVD player. The device case 20 also preferably has a device case entry port and lid 23. The lid 23 is preferably lockable at a port lock 24. The port lock 24 can be theft-resistant and also prevent a device from falling out of the case. Alternately, the case 20 can be custom fit to the size of the device to be held so that device is more tightly held in place in the case 20. The view port 22 preferably is open so that a user can touch and/or access the device within the case 20. Alternately, the view port 22 can comprise a screen or window to cover/protect the device within. By inserting the device 200 with the face down into case 20, the case 20 itself also functions as a cover to protect devices contained therein.

Furthermore, the device case 20 preferably has blade ports 21 positioned on each side of the case 20 so that the orientation of the case 20 and electronic device within can be changed from portrait to landscape mode and vice versa. The first and second adjustable support legs 30 and 35 each preferably have an attachment blade or flange 32, 37 for insertion and attachment at the blade ports 21. As the device case 20 is preferably rectangular, the case 20 can display its carried device in portrait and landscape modes depending on the choice of blade ports 21 to position the legs 30, 35. The case 20 in FIG. 3 is shown in portrait mode. By using the other blade ports on the case 20, the case 20 and device contained therein can be displayed in landscape mode.

An alternate embodiment of the device case 20 is a flexible sleeve made of fabric or similar flexible material with a skeletal at least semi-rigid frame contained within the sleeve to give it form and for attachment to the blades 32, 37. The sleeve case 20 could also have pockets for the support legs 30 and 35. The case could be closed with a flap 23 instead of the lid described above. The case 20 would still preferably have a view port 22 as described above. The legs 30, 35 and string 40 would be as described below.

Returning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first and second legs 30, 35 preferably further comprise string channels 33, 38. The string 40 preferably ends in first and second adjustment loops 41, 42. The loops 41, 42 pass through the string channels 33, 38 respectively. This allows the device case 20 to hang stable as a platform for the user from the user's neck as shown in FIG. 1. The adjustment loops 41, 42 preferably can be adjusted to vary the useable length of the string 40 and the viewing angle for the case 20. The string channels 33, 38 preferably further comprise string locks 34, 39 to lock the string 40 in place when a desired position and viewing angle are achieved.

The first and second legs 30 and 35 shown in FIG. 3 are shown in extended position. However, the legs 30, 35 are preferably adjustable to differing lengths. The legs 30, 35 can be retracted from the position shown and locked at a new length with leg locks 60, 61. The leg locks 60, 61 preferably insert into steps 62, 63 along leg channels 64, 65. The steps 62, 63 are preferably cut at pre-determined lengths for preferred leg positions.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, again with the legs 30, 35 retracted from the device case 20. In this figure, the legs 30, 35 are shown fully retracted into the leg channels 64, 65. The attachment blades 32, 37 preferably further comprise snap tabs 66, 67 respectively. The snap tabs 66, 67 insert with the blades 32, 37 into the blade ports 21 on the device case 20. When the blades 32, 37 are inserted a sufficient distance into the ports 21, the snap tabs 66, 67 engage tab locks 25 on the back of the device case 20 to hold the blades 32, 37 in place on the case 20. When the user seeks to remove the blades 32, 37 from the case 20, he/she depresses the snap tabs 66, 67 until each disengages from the tab locks 25 and the blades 32, 37 can slide out of the ports 21. However, other lock designs can be used in place of the tab lock embodiment described herein.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A platform for an electronic device with a display screen comprising: an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion configured to extend away from the electronic device and be positioned in between the electronic device and the user, the at least one leg configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the leg and the string include adjustable lengths to allow the electronic device to be placed at a desired position relative to the user.
 2. The platform of claim 1 further comprising a padding connected to the string, the padding being configured to be positioned in between the string and the user when the platform is being used to provide comfort to the user.
 3. The platform of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of attachment ports defined by the plurality of the interconnected sides and a plurality of attachment blades corresponding to the plurality of attachment ports, the at least one leg connectable to the plurality of attachment blades.
 4. The platform of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of attachment blades define a leg channel configured to receive the at least one leg.
 5. The platform of claim 1, further comprising a first pair of attachment ports defined by a first pair of interconnected sides from the plurality of interconnected sides, a second pair of attachment ports defined by a second pair of interconnected sides from the plurality of interconnected sides, wherein the at least one leg is connectable to the first pair of attachment ports to position the electronic device on a first position, and the at least one leg is connectable to the second pair of attachment ports to position the electronic device on a second position.
 6. A platform for an electronic device with a display screen, comprising: an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device, the plurality of interconnected sides defining a plurality of attachment ports, the plurality of attachment ports including a first pair of attachment ports and a second pair of attachment ports; a plurality of attachment blades attachable to the first pair of attachment ports and the second pair of attachment ports; a plurality of legs connectable to the plurality of attachment blades; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, wherein the plurality of attachment blades can be moved from a position where they are connected to the first pair of attachment ports and to a position where they are connected to the second pair of attachment ports to change the position of the electronic device relative to the user.
 7. The platform of claim 6, wherein the string includes an adjustment loop configured to allow the length of the string to be adjusted.
 8. The platform of claim 6, wherein when the plurality of attachment blades are attached to the first pair of attachment ports, the display screen of the electronic device is in a portrait orientation relative to the user, and when the plurality of attachment blades are attached to the second pair of attachment ports, the display screen of the electronic device is in a landscape orientation relative to the user.
 9. The platform of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of attachment blades includes a leg channel configured to receive a leg, the leg channel including a plurality of steps defined within the leg channel and configured to allow the length of the leg to be adjusted, when the length of the leg is adjusted, the distance of the electronic device relative to the user is adjusted.
 10. The platform of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of attachment blades defines a snap tab and each of the plurality of interconnected sides of the electronic device case also defines a tab lock configured to hold the snap tab in place when the plurality of attachment blades are attached to their respective attachment ports.
 11. The platform of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of legs define at least one string channel configured to receive the string.
 12. The platform of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of legs include string locks configured to prevent the string from further adjustment when engaged to the leg.
 13. A platform for an electronic device with a display screen, comprising: an electronic device case including a plurality of interconnected sides configured to enclose the electronic device and form a view port configured to allow a user to view the display screen of the electronic device; at least one leg connected to the electronic device case, the leg including a portion extending away from the electronic device, the portion configured to be positioned in between the electronic device and the user and further configured to be adjusted to position the electronic device at a desired distance from the user; and a string connected to the electronic device case, the string being configured to be attached to the user to hang the electronic device case to the user, the string including a first adjustment loop attached to one end of the string and a second adjustment loop attached to an opposite end of the string, wherein the first adjustment loop and the second adjustment loop can be used to adjust the length of the string to place the electronic device at a desired position relative to the user.
 14. The platform of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of attachment ports defined by the plurality of the interconnected sides and a plurality of attachment blades corresponding to the plurality of attachment ports, the at least one leg connectable to the plurality of attachment blades.
 15. The platform of claim 13, further comprising a first pair of attachment ports defined by a first pair of interconnected sides from the plurality of interconnected sides, a second pair of attachment ports defined by a second pair of interconnected sides from the plurality of interconnected sides, wherein the at least one leg can be connected to the first pair of attachment ports to position the electronic device on a first position, and the at least one leg can be connected to the second pair of attachment ports to position the electronic device on a second position.
 16. The platform of claim 15, wherein when the at least one leg is attached to the first pair of attachment ports, the display screen of the electronic device is in a portrait orientation relative to the user, and when the at least one leg is attached to the second pair of attachment ports, the display screen of the electronic device is in a landscape orientation relative to the user.
 17. The platform of claim 13, further comprising at least one attachment blade including a leg channel configured to receive the at least one leg, the leg channel including a plurality of steps defined within the leg channel and configured to allow the length of the leg to be adjusted, when the length of the leg is adjusted, the distance of the electronic device relative to the user is adjusted.
 18. The platform of claim 17, wherein the attachment blade defines a snap tab and each of the plurality of interconnected sides of the electronic device case defines a tab lock configured to hold the snap tab in place.
 19. The platform of claim 13, wherein the at least one leg defines at least one string channel configured to receive the string.
 20. The platform of claim 19, wherein the at least one leg further includes a string lock configured to prevent the string from further adjustment when engaged to the leg. 